onsemi NCV4276DS18G

Overview

NCV4276DS18G from onsemi is a 400 mA, 1.8 V fixed-output automotive-grade low-dropout linear regulator in DPAK-5 package with ±4% output voltage accuracy, 500 mV max dropout at 250 mA, and −42 V to +45 V input transient tolerance. It delivers stable power to microcontrollers and sensors in engine control units under harsh thermal and electrical conditions.

For engineers reviewing the NCV4276DS18G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 1.8 V fixed output, inhibit-controlled enable/disable functionality, reverse voltage protection, thermal shutdown, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors down to 10 µF.

Technical Context

The NCV4276DS18G uses a PNP pass transistor driven by an error amplifier with a bandgap reference to achieve low dropout and temperature-stable regulation. Its saturation control logic minimizes ground current across load and input voltage variations while preventing oversaturation during overload or low-V_IN conditions.

It integrates fault protection including thermal shutdown (150°C trip), short-circuit current limiting (400–1100 mA), +45 V peak transient tolerance, and −42 V reverse input voltage immunity. The inhibit pin enables system-level power sequencing with defined high/low thresholds (≥2.8 V for enable, ≤1.7 V for disable).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DPAK-5 surface-mount package (Case 175AA, DS suffix) with exposed tab thermally connected to Pin 3 (GND); requires minimum 0.26 in² copper pad for R_JA = 100.9°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout regulator applications.

Compared with NCV4276DT18G, the NCV4276DS18G trades thermal headroom for compactness and cost; versus TLV73318PDBVR, it delivers automotive-grade fault resilience at higher current and wider input range - essential for safety-critical vehicle subsystems.

Availability

NCV4276DS18G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, ADAS sensor hubs, and body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for NCV4276DS18G includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

onsemi is a global semiconductor leader focused on energy-efficient innovation for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT applications.

The NCV4276 family was designed specifically for automotive power management - delivering robust, AEC-Q100-compliant LDO regulation in harsh environments with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the NCV4276DS18G can withstand during load dump events?

The NCV4276DS18G is rated for +45 V peak transient voltage per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, meaning it survives automotive load dump events without external protection. This rating applies across the full operating temperature range and is guaranteed by design - not just tested in production. The device remains functional after such transients, maintaining regulation once input returns within normal range.

Does the NCV4276DS18G require an external capacitor on the INH pin for noise immunity?

No, the NCV4276DS18G does not require an external capacitor on the INH pin. Its inhibit input has built-in hysteresis and filtering; the datasheet specifies clean TTL/CMOS-compatible thresholds (≤1.7 V for disable, ≥2.8 V for enable) without recommending external RC networks. Adding capacitance may slow response and is unnecessary unless system-level EMI is extreme - in which case layout and shielding are preferred over pin-level filtering.

Can the NCV4276DS18G operate with a 10 µF ceramic output capacitor, and what is the minimum ESR?

Yes, the NCV4276DS18G is stable with a 10 µF X7R ceramic capacitor (e.g., Murata GRM31CR71C106KAC7) and supports ESR as low as 0.01 Ω, as confirmed in Figure 7 of the datasheet. This eliminates reliance on higher-ESR aluminum electrolytics, reducing board area and improving low-temperature performance down to −40°C - critical for under-hood automotive applications.

How does the thermal performance of the NCV4276DS18G compare between DPAK and D2PAK packages?

The NCV4276DS18G in DPAK-5 achieves R_JA = 100.9°C/W on minimal copper (0.26 in²), while the D2PAK variant (NCV4276DT18G) reaches 41.6°C/W on 1.222 in². At 400 mA and 13.5 V input, the DPAK dissipates ~4.2 W - limiting ambient use to ~85°C without heatsinking. The D2PAK supports full 400 mA at 125°C ambient, making it preferable for thermally constrained modules.

Is the NCV4276DS18G pin-compatible with adjustable-output versions of the same family?

Yes, the NCV4276DS18G shares identical DPAK-5 pinout and footprint with NCV4276DSADJG and other fixed-output variants (e.g., NCV4276DS33G). Pin 4 is NC in fixed versions but functions as VA (voltage adjust) in adjustable versions - requiring no PCB change if using the same layout, though external resistor divider must be omitted for fixed-voltage operation.